SAD 60 nearly $600g over budget: Could lead up to 15 layoffs

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — Operations in MSAD 60 are running more than a half-million dollars over budget, which could lead up to 15 layoffs districtwide.

The district is running over budget by an estimated $578,000 for the current year, according to the minutes of a recent Board of Directors meeting. This school district has formulated a plan for cost-cutting measures that would potentially reduce the anticipated shortfall to $194,100, according to the meeting minutes.

A number of factors have contributed to the unexpected budget crunch, according to the minutes of the Feb. 7 meeting. Those factors include an “excessive” number of teachers taking leaves of absence and anticipated retirement obligations that will cost approximately $75,000, according to the meeting minutes.

At a recent School Board meeting, Superintendent Steven Connolly noted the district is in the midst of offsetting some of these costs by freezing supply accounts. The district is also instituting a hiring freeze where possible. Connolly noted the district will also not provide professional development payments, also known as “per diem,” for specific staff at the end of the school year, which will save the district approximately $25,000.

Also noted on the public school's website was an anticipated savings of $200,000 in “employee costs,” derived from staffing changes since the beginning of the year.

The district is also looking at reducing staff. Some of the reductions being discussed include multiple “ed tech” positions across the MSAD60 schools and a secretarial/clerical reduction at the main office. The estimated savings from these position reductions is $98,808. Other employees could also be transitioned to different schools.

Other reductions mentioned during the meeting include closing schools the week of June 24-28, canceling intramural activities, cutting back hours for Ed Tech personal to 35 per week and canceling late buses.

At the recent MSAD 60 Board of Directors meeting, Chairman Joanne Potter noted this is not the first and only time that the board will be discussing the budget. Potter said the board will continue to examine every option, according to the minutes of the meeting.